Accenture’s (ACN) planned acquisition of network analytics firm Ookla is a well timed move that could strengthen the consulting giant’s position in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, according to UBS analyst Kevin McVeigh.
He said the roughly $1.2 billion transaction reflects a strategic expansion of Accenture’s (ACN) data capabilities as enterprises invest heavily in AI driven systems.
“We look favorably on the timely transaction,” McVeigh wrote in a March 3 research note, pointing to the importance of network level data as artificial intelligence systems become more deeply embedded in digital infrastructure.
Ookla, which generated about $231 million in revenue in 2025, provides network intelligence and analytics tools including Speedtest and Downdetector. UBS estimates the acquisition price implies roughly 5.2 times sales.
Data advantage in AI era
McVeigh said Ookla’s products provide insights across networks, devices and applications that can help organizations manage increasingly complex digital systems.
That data could support a range of enterprise use cases, from fraud detection in banking to smart home analytics in utilities and customer traffic optimization in retail.
The analyst said integrating these capabilities into Accenture’s (ACN) consulting and technology services should strengthen its ability to help telecom operators, hyperscale cloud providers and large enterprises optimize Wi-Fi and 5G networks.
Larger deal but consistent with strategy
The acquisition stands out because it is larger than many of Accenture’s (ACN) typical transactions. The company has historically relied on smaller tuck in acquisitions rather than deals exceeding $1 billion.
Even so, McVeigh said the purchase aligns with Accenture’s (ACN) broader strategy of disciplined inorganic growth tied to cloud modernization, AI and industry specific digital solutions.
UBS expects acquisitions to contribute about 1.5% of Accenture’s (ACN) revenue growth in fiscal 2026, with the company planning roughly $3 billion in deal spending compared with about $1.5 billion the prior year.
AI fears may be overdone
McVeigh also framed the acquisition as a response to investor concerns that artificial intelligence could reduce demand for consulting services.
In his view, the market may be underestimating Accenture’s (ACN) ability to benefit from AI adoption rather than be disrupted by it.